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Best Campgrounds near Pony, MT

629 Reviews

The landscape around Pony, Montana includes several campgrounds and dispersed sites across varied terrain and elevations. Campsites at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park offer established facilities with electric hookups, picnic tables, and reservable sites for tent camping, RVs, and cabins. Other camping areas include Revenue Flats and Potosi Campground with primitive accommodations. These developed campgrounds provide options for visitors seeking different levels of amenities, from bare-bones sites to those with more infrastructure, all within proximity to natural attractions like hot springs and hiking trails.

Road access varies significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring appropriate vehicles to navigate unpaved roads and rugged terrain. "Pulled up to this spot and camped under the most beautiful night sky I've ever seen. Road in was no beuno for the Honda Civic. She barely made it up and couldn't make it all the way back to some of the climbing spots," noted one camper at Revenue Flats. Several campgrounds, including Potosi, are accessible via dirt roads that may be challenging during wet weather. The camping season generally runs from May through September, though some sites like Revenue Flats remain open year-round, weather permitting. Elevation changes affect temperature and conditions, with nights remaining cool even during summer months.

Campers report high satisfaction with the privacy and natural settings available near Pony. Harrison Lake Campground receives consistent praise for its secluded sites, with one visitor describing it as offering "very spread out and very private" camping areas with "beautiful range country." Many mixed-use campgrounds balance accessibility with natural features. The Potosi area attracts visitors for its proximity to hot springs and hiking trails, where campers can access thermal features within walking distance of their sites. While some campgrounds like Lewis & Clark Caverns provide family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and educational opportunities, others like Revenue Flats cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking rock climbing and minimal development. Winter access becomes limited at most sites due to snow and road conditions.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pony, Montana (151)

    1. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park

    37 Reviews
    Cardwell, MT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 287-3541

    $8 - $70 / night

    "The layout of this state park was somewhat unusual: there are five loops within one larger loop with 32 sites plus seven additional pull-through sites on the outside of the loop."

    "It is not far away from freeway I90. It has never been crowded when we were there in spring or fall. Big campground, clean and tidy, in an open area with few trees. Shower building was OK."

    2. Norris Hot Springs

    13 Reviews
    Norris, MT
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 685-3303

    $33 - $44 / night

    "Come for the hot spring and stay steps away in a great tent or RV site! The RV sites have water and electric hook ups, and there is a portable toilet by the tent sites."

    "Outside of the hot springs there’s nothing to do at the small campground. They have it well maintained and it is pretty quiet even though it’s on the highway."

    3. Harrison Lake Campground

    7 Reviews
    Harrison, MT
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 444-2535

    "Harrison Lake FAS campground is a large spacious campground with most campsite being well spread out from each other. "

    "Harrison Lake Campground is a great spot if you're looking for a quiet getaway. The campsites are spacious and well-spread out, offering plenty of privacy."

    4. Revenue Flats

    6 Reviews
    Norris, MT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 683-8000

    "This area has a lot to offer within a 15 min drive from wherever you camp. There are a lot of people that use this and there are a lot of parties."

    "Also saw a 2 wheel drive 30 foot class C motorhome that made it but would not recommend anything larger. The sites were roomy and private on a high plateau with beautiful views."

    5. Potosi Campground

    5 Reviews
    Pony, MT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 682-4253

    "We heard about a hot spring called “Pony Potosi” in Madison County and that is exactly what it is."

    "Wonderful peaceful campground, fire pits, can walk to hot spring, camped next to the river. Good times. Take a dirt road to get there but beautiful"

    6. Cardwell General Store and Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cardwell, MT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 581-1526

    "This is a nice camping area although the sites are fairly close to each other. There are bugs because of the nearby pond."

    "There is some highway noise, but is background noise."

    7. Three Forks KOA Journey

    19 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 285-3611

    $58 - $70 / night

    "Park for children Great walking paths

    Fire pit accessible

    Trash and dumpsters."

    "New KOA owner here very friendly and all around awesome. Though spot close quarters tight turns."

    8. Red Mountain (MT)

    6 Reviews
    Norris, MT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 683-8000

    $20 / night

    "It is in the dry part of Montana so each site is exposed to one another. The campground host is very particular."

    "The area is just beautiful, with the river only a few steps away, and there is plenty of room for people and pets to run and play. Lots of fun hiking trails nearby."

    9. Missouri Headwaters State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Three Forks, MT
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 285-3610

    $14 / night

    "This campsite is located in a beautiful remote area of Montana, only a short hike away from the beginning of the Missouri River. Large site. The only problem was there were many mosquitoes."

    "We stayed at Site 16, which is at the far end of the campground and felt nicely tucked away."

    10. Meadow Lake Campground

    6 Reviews
    Ennis, MT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 994-4042

    "Seven sites, most lakeside. Boat ramp and bathroom facilities."

    "With the Madison river spots filling up fast Ennis lake usually has spots to offer. It is close to some residents but this isn’t a lake in the mountains."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pony, MT

107 Photos of 151 Pony Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pony, MT

629 Reviews of 151 Pony Campgrounds

  • VanRumschpringa V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    South Fork Brackett Creek Dispersed Site

    Quiet with a relatively easy approach

    The road has some potholes but nothing too problematic. There are a lot of small pull-ups and some large spaces as well. You’ll be buried deep in the woods near Bridger bowl. I camped at the trailhead for Lower South Brackett trail. I did not explore what lay beyond my site. It was 28° or less overnight and there is a pretty dusting of snow on the ground when I woke.

  • Caroline T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Hyalite Canyon Dispersed

    TENT CAMP ONLY - no drive in

    Came here looking to camp in our rooftop tent. These 3-4 camp spots are tent only because the spots are about a 5 minute walk into the woods and you cannot drive up. We unfortunately had to find camp elsewhere

  • Caroline T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Hyalite Canyon Dispersed - FS 1046

    Not what other reviews make it seem

    We came here looking for a dispersed site to camp in a rooftop tent. There was only about 3 spots all super unlevel, and seem somewhat sketchy. I didn’t feel safe camping here and we ended up going somewhere else. Not sure what these other reviews are talking about.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Hood Creek Campground

    Outstanding

    I had such a fantastic September stay at Hood Creek with gorgeous weather and peaceful views. Of all the sites only a few were undesirable with the vast majority being awesome. Signs posted this weekend that gate is closing for the season at 12:00PM 9/28/25. Never saw a forest service staff member or any representative for the recreation area this weekend. A massive bummer that boils my blood is I had no less than 5 nearby spots all reserved for multiple nights where nobody showed during the entire weekend while others strolled thru looking for a place to camp. Total garbage. Something has to improve on this because affluent people don’t give an ounce of care by booking and not using. The reservoir was nearly 25ft below full this time of year. Bathrooms were very clean but definitely stenchy. I believe that there was a water spigot there but wasn’t paying much attention to that. Overall just a tremendous place to spend a solid few days enjoying.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Fairy Lake Dispersed Camping

    Great spot!

    I towed my small camper up the mountain fairly easily, although this is by far the roughest road I’ve encountered so far. Not for the faint of heart! I saw a couple sprinter vans coming up but no other RV’s. There are a handful of spots to camp on the way up the mountain but I found one about 1/4 mile before the campground. There is sun, shade, a fire ring and 3 other neighboring sites. 2 of those sites aren’t very accessible by car but this site is big enough for multiple vehicles. It’s also walking distance to the Fairy Lake trailhead and to the lake itself, which is very popular on the weekends. Would absolutely stay here again. No bugs, no bear scat nearby, some traffic but still private.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Fairy Lake Campground

    Gorgeous Mountains and Crystal Clear Water

    The drive up is very rough, most vehicles I saw were Toyotas and Subarus. 4 Wheel drive is recommended, however I took my Ram Promaster 3500 Campervan up to the top where the campground is. The campground is a little higher up than the lake, but the Mountain View’s are worth not having a campsite directly on the water. There is a stream that runs through a few sites tho. Anyway it was beautiful and plenty of space between other sites, but there were people there all weekend long. The weekdays we were basically alone at the campground.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 20, 2025

    Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area

    Secluded campsite adjacent to mini spires

    Road was rocky and rutted by water runoff. The sprinter all wheel drive negotiated the trail easily from the trailhead up. We found an open meadow of sagebrush. Beautiful sunrise. One bar AT&T signal. We camped adjacent to the private property sign.

  • VThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Hood Creek Campground

    Views, convenience and nice sites

    About 15 miles of paved roads from Bozeman. Separated sites, most with lake views. Clean vault toilets.

Guide to Pony

Camping near Pony, Montana, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park: This park is famous for its impressive limestone caverns. One visitor mentioned, "Be sure to unhook and get to the caverns early in the morning to get a reservation to tour." The Paradise tour is particularly accessible, making it a great option for families.
  • Enjoy water activities at Delmoe Lake: This campground is perfect for those who love fishing and boating. A camper noted, "Great campground on the lake with some sites more private than others." Just be aware that the lake can dry up in late summer.
  • Relax at Norris Hot Springs: Known for its hot springs, this spot is a favorite for soaking after a day of hiking. One happy camper said, "Imagine soaking in a beautiful wooden pool, enjoying a cold beverage and a pizza, while you listen to live music."

What campers like:

  • Friendly hosts: Campers often rave about the welcoming atmosphere. At the Three Forks KOA Journey, one reviewer shared, "Beautiful facilities and friendly helpful staff."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Norris Hot Springs remarked, "The bathrooms were really clean and nice, some of the best bathrooms I’ve seen in a campground."
  • Scenic views: Campers appreciate the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Spire Rock Campground said, "My site was very secluded, peaceful, and beautiful!"

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: If you're camping at Missouri Headwaters State Park, be prepared for bugs. One camper warned, "The mosquitos were so bad we immediately left and found another place to stay for the night."
  • Reservations are recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A visitor at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park advised, "They do have drop-in non-reservation sites, but recommend getting reservations as well as cave tour reservations online in advance."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Campgrounds like Valley Garden Campground may have basic facilities. One camper noted, "It’s total boondock camping, pit toilet only."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose accessible campgrounds: Look for sites that offer easy access to attractions. One parent mentioned, "The Paradise tour was really easy and it was spectacular!" at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park.
  • Pack for outdoor fun: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A family camper at Bozeman Hot Springs Campground said, "Tent sites were small, no privacy. I wish we would have had our RV."
  • Plan for downtime: Make sure to schedule some relaxation time. A visitor at Norris Hot Springs enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, saying, "This place is a little gem."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check road conditions: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. A reviewer at Spire Rock Campground noted, "The area is stunning, but we could not get to the campground."
  • Look for full hookups: If you need more amenities, choose campgrounds that offer full hookups. A camper at Ennis RV Village appreciated, "Very clean restrooms & sites are spaced nicely apart for being in an RV setting."
  • Be mindful of space: Some sites can be tight. A visitor at Three Forks KOA Journey mentioned, "The sites are very small and very crowded."

Camping near Pony, Montana, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there hot springs near the camping areas in Pony?

Yes, there are hot springs near Pony's camping areas. The most notable is "Pony Potosi" hot spring near Potosi Campground. For a more developed hot springs experience, Norris Hot Springs is a short drive away and offers camping facilities alongside their natural soaking pools. Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV provides a convenient option with full hookups and easy access to their hot springs facility, though it's a bit further from Pony.

Where can I find camping spots in Pony, Montana?

While Pony itself is a small historic mining town, there are several camping options nearby. Potosi Campground is one of the closest options to Pony, located in Madison County in the Tobacco Root Mountains. Another excellent choice is Fairy Lake Campground, which offers stunning mountain views and crystal-clear water. For those willing to travel a bit further, the Ennis area provides additional options with convenient access to town amenities and river activities.

What camping is available near Pony, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pony, MT offers a wide range of camping options, with 151 campgrounds and RV parks near Pony, MT and 20 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pony, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pony, MT is Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park — Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pony, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Pony, MT.

What parks are near Pony, MT?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Pony, MT that allow camping, notably Gallatin National Forest and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

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